Calories in Kidney Beans

The kidney shaped beans are used in a number of recipes. The red or light brown kidney beans are available in dried or canned varieties. The dried variety is favored more for cooking purposes over the canned variety. Kidney beans are also used in varied preparations because they pick up flavors well. Simmered dishes are the best way to allow the kidney beans to absorb the flavors of the seasoning.

Kidney beans and potatoes provide similar nutrition but kidney beans provide moderate carbohydrates. Kidney beans also contain traces of calcium, iron and are also a good source of potassium.

The calories in kidney beans and nutrition facts: A serving size of 177g or a cup of boiled red kidney beans contains 225 calories. Kidney beans are a rich source of protein and also contain iron, magnesium, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, vitamin C, thiamin, folate, copper, manganese and potassium. Kidney beans also have high fiber content. White kidney beans are also used to promote healthy weight management. A serving size of 130g of white kidney beans comprises of 120 calories. White kidney bean extracts are used in weight loss pills, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements.

Some important health benefits associated with consumption of kidney beans are:

The thiamine content in kidney beans promotes memory and reduces age related impairment of mental abilities.

High protein content in kidney beans also makes it an ideal diet inclusion for vegetarians. It is the ideal way to substitute red meat.

White kidney bean extract is known to reduce fat by blocking starch absorption.

Kidney beans can also cause gas and is not an ideal food choice for those suffering from gout or kidney stones. Kidney beans must be ideally combined with whole grains such as whole meal pasta or brown rice. Such food combination provides ample proteins without saturated fats and calories found in other protein foods. White kidney beans must be consumed according to prescribed methods because excessive intake can cause adverse effects.